in 2003 with our then toddler. We left behind friends and family, and the quaintness of a European lifestyle, but looked forward to the ease with which we could live at home. It was refreshing to have again commerce that was open after five o'clock and on Sundays, home deliveries, and a general sense that so many people were ready to exchange good service for our business.

A great deal had changed in those six years, but what astounded us most was the fact that now almost all bank statements, financial literature, signage, and advertising were translated into at least one other language, Spanish. My husband, who is French, had said at the time "that is so American," to take the initiative and adjust to opportunity. The private sector of the United States recognized the potential of the fastest growing group in America, Latinos. And the adjustment was the fruit of commonsense, not necessarily government mandate.

By the middle of this century, half of the American population will be "non-white," for lack of a better term. This group is a mixture of African-Americans, Asians, and Latinos. And thanks to the ever-increasing number of American-born Latinos, the United States is becoming the youngest modern industrial nation in the world. In essence, we have, among all western countries, the best possibility of maintaining a tax base for the aging segment of our population.

There are some interesting facts that have surfaced about the Latino community in the United States that suggest that like other immigrant groups that came to this country they are moving away from some of the traditions of their cultures. One in six Hispanic Adults in America, for example, is an evangelical Protestant. Younger Latinos themselves are increasing vociferous about the value of education and college before starting a family. And it is Latinos who will be the first to say that education and hard work are vital elements in the pursuit of the American dream.

It is my sincerest hope that our government and politicians in general really look at the promising contributions that Latinos continue to offer our country. They will vote for anyone from any party who understands that a huge portion of their community seeks only the right and support to become a contributing member of American society. The business sector of this country provides ample examples of how this can be achieved.

My toddler is now 13. Given my assessment of his tastes and interests, and having some understanding of the demographics of where we live in California, I predict that he will come home one day with a bright cheery girl, with dark brown hair, whose family is from some place outside of the United States. The only thing I would ask is that she and my son aspire to go to college, get a job, and enrich their lives with travel.

(For more information on the language, demographics, and trends incorporated above please see https://www.americanprogress.org/ and The Economist 3/14/15)

By Theresa DeRoberts